Third Man on the Mountain1959Third Man on the Mountain
1959
Rudi Matt, a dishwasher in a Swiss village, dreams of conquering the Citadel, the mountain that killed his father, a guide. He trains in secret, against his mother's and uncle's wishes, and joins an English climber's attempt on the peak.
The default: films the whole family can watch together; any scary or intense moments for the littlest viewers are flagged in the Context Notes.
Why it’s here
A boy's dream tested by pride and turned into sacrifice: Rudi gives up his own glory to help another climber in danger. Filmed on location near the Matterhorn.
Context notes
For parents, before you press play.
Intense climbing peril, falls, and crevasses may frighten little ones. Rudi sneaks off to climb against his mother's and uncle's wishes, which the film largely sympathizes with but also shows to be dangerous, so it's worth a talk.
Third Man on the Mountain (1959)
Discussion questions
When the credits end, go around the room. Each person gives the film a score out of ten and says why.
- Why did Rudi want to climb the Citadel?
- Was it right for Rudi to climb in secret?
- What did Rudi give up near the summit, and why?
- What makes a good mountain guide?
Content advisory
WebSearch synthesis (Disney and reviews): G-rated family adventure; intense mountaineering peril; no other concerns reported.
Trailer
Best edition
The disc comes first.
Third Man on the Mountain (1959)
DVD · September 7, 2004
Edition link coming soon.
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Where to stream
Streaming services are not listed yet. When they are, this note stays secondary to the disc.